Wednesday 28th June, 2000
Hello my lovelies!
This week, Iām writing to you from the beautiful city of Vienna, Austria! Iāve just arrived and am already smitten. I don't think I've ever felt so excited and inspired in all my life! The moment I stepped off the train from Munich (which, by the way, was the most wonderful train journey ā passing through mountains and sparkling lakes!), I could practically feel the waltz in the air. The buildings are so grand and elegant, the streets are bustling with life, and the shops ā oh my! ā a shopaholicās paradise.
From Derbyshire to Vienna, in a Pink Tutu of Course!
It wouldn't be a Pink Tutu adventure without a splash of pink, would it? So, naturally, Iām wearing my new floral print pink tutu, perfect for strolling along Viennaās charming cobblestone streets. Itās a delicate confection, perfect for this city of romance and elegance. And, to add a touch of sophistication, I've paired it with a vintage lace blouse and my favourite ruby red beret. It's like I stepped straight out of a classic movie!
First Impressions: The Opulence of Vienna
Everything in Vienna is just soā¦ grand. The buildings are stunning! They practically sing with stories of royalty and artistic brilliance. And donāt even get me started on the architecture! Baroque flourishes, ornate sculptures, grand facades ā it's a feast for the eyes.
Iām staying in the heart of the city, in a delightful little boutique hotel with rooms decorated in shades of lilac and lavender, my favourite colour combo, after pink, of course! The staff are absolutely delightful, welcoming me with such warmth and enthusiasm. You know me ā I always love a bit of friendly banter. And in this part of the world, the friendly banter comes with a hint of elegant Viennese charm!
A Tutuās First Ballet Experience in Vienna!
One of the highlights of my Vienna trip is definitely going to be seeing the Vienna State Opera! Oh my goodness, itās a true icon of classical ballet and music. Can you believe that I actually managed to snag a pair of tickets to see the legendary ballet "Swan Lake"? Iām beyond excited ā I've heard it's utterly breathtaking, and I just know the sheer grandeur of the Opera House will be enough to sweep me away. I'll be posting all about it next week! Just wait for my review and, of course, for my "Pink Tutu Style" post ā I have a little black dress in mind to pair with a delicate, whimsical pink tulle skirt!
Tutus Through the Ages ā The Ballerinaās History of Dance
Speaking of ballet history, Vienna has such a fascinating history of dance, you guys! It's considered the heart of classical ballet, and the influence of the Imperial Court is everywhere you look. Just walking through the historic streets feels like I'm taking a trip back in time, imagining all the grand ballrooms filled with beautiful ballerinas in elegant tutus and waltzing the night away.
I can't resist a little historical indulgence, and yesterday I actually visited the Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence. I imagined waltzing with an elegant duke in a ballroom decorated in sumptuous floral tapestries. And you know what ā it actually made me feel like a princess! It also sparked a wonderful thought. I want to learn more about the evolution of ballet ā about the different kinds of tutus and costumes and the dance forms that went with them! Who knows, this might be a future post!
A Pink Tutu, A Horse, and a Beautiful Ride Through History
But before the opera, Vienna also offered a delightful surprise: I found myself charmed by a beautiful Lipizzaner horse at a traditional stable. Can you imagine? I got to take a carriage ride through the scenic Vienna Woods, a gorgeous mix of forests and rolling hills.
Itās actually quite incredible! You can see Vienna from a totally different angle ā more laid-back and peaceful. I felt like I was in one of my favourite movies, a mix of "Sound of Music" and "The Princess Bride", with the rolling green hills, the traditional carriage and, of course, a stunning Lipizzaner, graceful and beautiful! I couldn't resist snapping some pictures and, of course, I felt obliged to give the horse a small, pink flower as a thank you!
The Pink Tutu Shops: A Shopaholicās Paradise!
Okay, let's talk about shopping. It's pretty clear to anyone that Vienna loves to indulge in style and elegance, so of course, this little pink tutu enthusiast was thrilled to explore the beautiful shops and boutiques. I found an enchanting shop yesterday with antique brooches and costume jewellery. I bought a stunning brooch with a small, silver ballerina holding a single pink rose ā itās going straight into my collection! It's also given me an idea ā a new "Pink Tutu Style" feature about historical jewelry and its impact on ballet fashion! Isnāt that a fantastic idea?! Iām just overflowing with ideas for my blog!
Vienna By Night: Magic and Music in the Air
The evening in Vienna is truly magical. I sat on a terrace with a glass of Viennese wine, soaking up the cityās atmosphere. There was the tinkling of bells from a street performer and a melody drifting from an open window - Vienna at night is all about beauty, grace, and that indescribable sense of wonder.
A Word About my Ballet Adventures ā Spreading the Pink Tutu Love!
Now, letās talk about something else ā something very near and dear to my heart! As I always say, my travels are fuelled by the joy and beauty of ballet. Recently, I performed in a charity fundraiser in Nottingham for a local theatre group ā I played the lead in āAlice in Wonderlandā, you wouldnāt believe the costumes! There were giant, colorful tutus for all of the performers.
That feeling, that adrenaline rush of the stage lights, that shared energy with the audienceā¦ itās what keeps me going and allows me to follow my pink-tutu dreams! And itās why I want to share my experiences and passion for ballet with you! So, if youāve never been to a ballet performance, I strongly encourage you to give it a try. Who knows, you might even be tempted to wear a pink tutu ā maybe even a pink tutus to your next ballet performance!
So, to wrap up my adventures this week: Vienna is simply captivating. Itās like a city out of a fairytale. Iām still discovering new things to see and experience. I promise you that thereās even more excitement to come. Stay tuned for next weekās post, when Iāll tell you all about the Vienna State Opera performance!
And, as always, keep spreading the pink tutu love, darling!
With much love and sparkly tutus,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
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